Overcoming Social Media Fears

Recently, I had the opportunity to connect with Dr. Amy Fast at one of our Future Ready Institutes. Amy is an awesome High School Assistant Principal from Oregon and is the type of school leader that leverages social media in her daily work; to both share the incredible things that happen in her school as well as to grow professionally. Due to the way that she models this for those that she leads, I asked her what tips she has for those leaders, the many leaders, that may be fearful of using social media, and are hesitant to jump in.

As you see in the video, Amy instantly points to “a sense of humanity and authenticity” that is appreciated by stakeholders. It’s no secret that teachers want their school and district leaders to be real…

Leaders that are “real” and show a sense of humanity and authenticity…

1.) Humbly recognize that they too are working daily to get better2.) Aren’t afraid to be vulnerable in sharing with those they lead3.) Don’t pretend to have been the perfect teacher when they were in the classroom4.) Understand that teachers are people first, and thus value the human heart in the work5.) Lead by example and model the way

Amy shares that, “The more transparent we can be as leaders…the more people feel connected to us and want to invest in our mission and our schools.”

Amy’s thought on transparency is key. For me, transparency comes down to trust; and trust is the foundation of every school’s culture.

Every day is an opportunity to share the great things happening in your school and district. As my good friend Joe Sanfelippooften points out, the converse is also true…

… and that happens every day in school communities across our country.

Yet as we blast out information as school leaders, we can’t be naive. It’s imperative that as leaders we have a solid grasp on federal and state privacy laws, as well as on our local school board policy in this area.

The reality is that UGLY THINGS DO HAPPEN that involve our schools and social media; so the natural fears for some, are certainly understandable. Here’s a few examples:

If we allow the great things that happen inside our buildings to stay within the walls of where they happen, that’s on us. If we do not share the stories that are happening inside of our schools, in relevant ways, that’s on us. If we are negligent in our sharing and social media use, that’s also on us.

Heading into 2019, school and district leaders have incredible opportunities to leverage relevant digital tools, and the great news is, it happens every day. But, it’s understandable if you need help along the way. With that, here are some great resources to support your journey:

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‪EDUCATORS: Just because something is digital, does NOT mean it’s any good. You can be 100% paperless with 100% digital content/tools AND be 100% LOW LEVEL. We must place TASKS BEFORE APPS. Thanks to @classtechtips for joining this #LeadershipMinute. #FutureReady ‬

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Principals! Check out this year's brand new #FutureReady Institutes and our Principals Strand! Led by @casas_jimmy & @gustafsonbrad, this strand is sure to help you take your leadership to the next level. For more on these free events, visit: futureready.org/institutes.

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EDUCATORS: TITLES don’t make leaders. ACTIONS do. Some of the greatest SCHOOL LEADERS are those teaching in classrooms every day & those that are part of a support staff. A title doesn’t mean one’s effective. His/Her actions determine it. #FutureReady #LT8Keys #LeadershipMinute

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Check out the #FutureReady District Leadership strand, led by FRS Advisors @joe_sanfelippo (WI) & Suzanne Lacey (AL), available at this year's 2019 Future Ready Institutes. To register your leadership team for one of this year's free Institutes, visit http://futureready.org/institutes.

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‪SCHOOL LEADERS: Taking care of the Social-Emotional side isn’t just for students, it’s about TAKING CARE OF OUR PEOPLE as well. Check out how @basilmarin_inspires and his team value Social-Emotional Learning for STUDENTS AND STAFF! #LeadershipMinute #FutureReady ‬